How to grow sunflowers in your garden

Growing sunflowers is a popular choice for both kids and moms too! Sunflowers are "happy looking" and can do wonders in a dreary garden. Here is the know how you need to know before you start planting, so your sunflowers will grow to their best potential

Sun
They need to be in full sun, so don't plant them on the shady side of the house. Because some varieties grow quite tall, make sure they won't create shade for other plants too.

When to plant
You need to wait until after the last frost of the season before you plant your sunflowers.

How to plant
You need to plant sunflowers at least 6 inches apart from each other. You should plant the seed about 1 inch deep. You may need to thin them to 1 foot apart for dwarf varieties and up to 18 inches apart for the larger varieties.

Watering
Sunflowers do need a lot of water, especially while growing. Make sure the soil is moist.

Staking
Depending on the variety chosen and the location, you may need to stake your sunflowers so they don't become so top heavy they tip over and snap the stem. Keep an eye on them as they grow and stake them immediately if they look as though they might fall over.